Necromancist (Seven Forbidden Arts 6)

Alice pressed her palms against her eyes. “I don’t see another way.”

Maya spoke for the first time. “You could ask your dad for the money. He’ll give it gladly.”

“I don’t want a penny from him.”

Maya lifted her hands. “It was just a suggestion.”

“It’s none of your business,” Alice said. “I expect you not to mention this to anyone, including Cain.”

Maya shook her head. “Suit yourself.”

“I have some cash to invest if you…” Sean’s words trailed off when Alice gave him a hard look.

“Cain pays you, doesn’t he?” Alice asked.

“Yes, but…” He lowered his head.

“Thanks, anyway.” Alice turned her attention back to Kate. “That’s what we’ll say, then. No comment where Ivan’s arrest is concerned and that I’m singing with him because he gave up his scholarship for me. Let the press make of that whatever they want.” She got to her feet.

“Alice,” Kate touched her arm, “they’re right you know. Your father’s money will be easier.”

“It won’t make me sleep better at night.”

Kate sighed. “All righty, then. Good luck.”

When Alice walked into the newspaper offices an hour later with Maya and Sean, Henry waited in the foyer. He hurried over and guided them through the back to a private meeting room.

Alice introduced Maya and Sean as friends of her father. Henry gave them a speculative glance, but he didn’t question their presence. While he and Alice sat down at the meeting table, Sean and Maya removed themselves to a corner.

“My secretary gave me your message,” Henry said in a low voice loud enough for just her to hear. “Sorry I couldn’t take your call. After this morning’s arrest, my phone is ringing non-stop.”

“What are you going to say about the arrest?”

“What we know.” He scrutinized her. “Unless you’re here to give me more.”

“I can’t speak for Ivan. That’s his agent’s job.”

“Why is your father here, Alice?” He glanced at Maya and Sean. “And why are his bodyguards with you?”

This wasn’t Henry, her friend, talking. This was Henry the editor who’d be a fool to ignore a story of a sensational value this big. She hated lying to him, but people’s lives were at stake.

She crossed her fingers behind her back. “He came for the show.”

“I thought you weren’t going to invite him.”

“I didn’t.” She kept his gaze. “He saw it in the news.”

“All right.” Henry adjusted his tie and leaned back with a sigh. “I’m sorry about the theater. Johnny told me about the cancellations. I know how much your job means to you, but if I don’t run this story, I’m fired. In any event, it’s already all over every radio and television station, not to mention social media.”

“I know the business. I’d never expect you to say nothing about the arrest.”

He leaned over and gave her hand a squeeze. “I’ll do whatever I can to help with damage control after the story.”

“Thank you, but I’m not here about damage control for that.”

“Why are you here?”

“I want you to run an exclusive about the scholarship.”

Henry moved to the edge of his seat. “You think it’s going to turn sales around.”

“It’s our only shot.”

“No.”

“Henry.” She blew out a puff of air. “Four hundred people are going to lose their jobs.”

His whisper was urgent. “Are you responsible for everyone?”

“If the theater closes down, I’ll lose the only thing I have left.”

He smoothed his hand over his tie, studying her while he seemed to weigh her words. Finally, he shook his head. “I don’t want to be the reason for destroying you in public.”

She gave a wry laugh. “A little faith in me would be nice.”

He blinked. “You think this is only going to be about your voice? The history about you dating Ivan will come to light. Even if you deliver, people are going to say all sorts of things, things like you used sex to get Ivan to give up his scholarship. People will always believe the worst. It’s human nature.

“It’s not that I don’t believe in you, Alice. I’m considering the cold, hard facts. Firstly, you’ve never been on stage. Secondly, you haven’t worked your voice in years. Lastly, every critic out there is going to compare you to your mother.”

“I don’t compare?” she asked softly.

He cast his eyes to the ceiling. “I’m trying to protect you.”

“If you don’t want the scoop, every other paper out there will jump at the opportunity.”

“Damn, Alice.” He wiped a hand over his face. “You’re not going to budge, are you?”

She shook her head.

“It’s going to get dirty,” he said. “Don’t let this come between us. Do you hear me?”

“This is my choice, Henry.”

He got to his feet. “When do you want to do this?”

Her heart fluttered. It was going to be tough, but the world needed to know the truth. Ivan had given up a sacred opportunity for her, proving how big and generous his heart was. The papers were always full of the shocking facts of his poverty, how that dog had saved his life, and how crazy he was. Despite his fame and fortune, the media portrayed him as an evil underdog, a bad influence, and a man with a questionable character. He took the public battering like he used to tolerate abuse at the hands of his caretakers as a child. No wonder he still suffered from a complex about being worthy.